After a winter and spring of rain and cold, I can’t wait to get outdoors, and what better way than a hike? I am lucky to have tons of options for awesome day hikes in Washington—and even luckier that the The Girl and Monkey Boy are willing to go with me.
If you plan on heading out to the great outdoors, here’s a must-have list to pack in your daypack:
- Camera. I’m sure it goes without saying, but chances are, you will see some pretty cool stuff out there. And, as the old adage goes: “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”
- Water. If you are going all minimalist and don’t want to carry a backpack, do yourself a solid, and carry a bottle of water. You’re going to work up a sweat and you’ll need to replenish. Enough said.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray. I love the summer, but the elements will turn on you. Don’t underestimate the sun’s ability to peek its way through a tree canopy. Sunscreen good, melanoma bad. Also, if you get anywhere near the water, the mosquitoes will show no mercy. Best just to lay down some cover fire.
- Snacks. Okay, the thing is, sometimes you feel snackish and packing something is just a pleasant way to suppress your appetite. Other times, you take a wrong turn and find that a 3 hour hike turns into a 6 hour one–here’s where that snack becomes a really happy little treat.
- First Aid Kit. It may seem like overkill shove all of this into a backpack, but blisters, scrapes, etc. can really ruin a perfectly good afternoon. Better to be prepared.
- A lighter. No, not for your Marlboro’s, but in case something goes wrong and you find yourself hunkering down for a night in the wilderness. Seriously, this could be a life saver and takes up hardly any space.
- A knife. There are about a billion ways a knife could come in handy on a hike. It is a simple must-have. I always throw a leatherman into my backpack. It basically does everything.
- Hiking boots. I know this one really doesn’t go into your pack, but I consider it a must-have for one reason: snakes. Snakes hiding in the grass will typically strike at feet and ankles–a protective layer around those two body parts seems like a no-brainer.
- Map and/or compass. Face it, getting lost sucks, whether it’s in the city or in the out-of-doors. A little prevention goes a long way.
- Garbage Bag. A garbage bag is like a multi-purpose tool in the day hike world. Best case scenario, you have a handy little garbage can for your wrappers from that snack. Worst case, you have a make-shift rain poncho.
Also, please imagine me saying this in my best mom voice: make sure to tell someone where you are going. It’s a simple way to make sure that should you get lost, someone would come looking for you. {Maybe I should have suggested telling someone who likes you, to ensure they will actually come looking for you. Ha.}
What have you learned to throw in your pack?
~Mavis
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Sakura says
I have a whistle in mine, had to use it once when I was snow mobiling. I also have a crushable wide brim hat that’s vented around the top so you don’t sweat so much when you wear it.
Bill Dungan says
Don’t forget the toilet paper. LOL
Also, to go with that lighter, carry some small candles. The easiest way is to toss 2 or 3 small votive candles in your kit along with at least 2 disposable cigarette lighters. Use one of the candles to start your survival campfire if you are stranded overnight. Clear the space for the fire; set the votive candle in the center and light it. Then, start bring in the FINE kindling wood pieces to catch fire from the candle. Build up the fire material slowly as to allow the fire to catch on the larger pieces. This is how I learned to start a campfire during aircrew survival training in the Air Force. A far better choice of candles would be a couple of 6 inch candles you can find in most camping supply stores. I got mine in Wal-Mart. That way, you just cut off a 1 inch piece to use for starting the fire and you won’t be wasting the whole candle as you would when using a votive one. And, the 6 inch candles take up much less room than the votive ones. I mentioned votive types first because a lot of folks have those already in their home.
Geo D says
You forgot….CELL PHONE! It will become a priceless item if you break an ankle, leg, get bit by a snake, get lost…
Angi says
We live in the Smoky Mtns in western NC and most of the day hikes we’ve been on have had 0 cell reception. I usually use my phone camera for pics and it never failed I would forget to put it on airplane mode when there were no bars, and inevitably ran down the battery.
Kathy in Chicago says
On our way out of the woods we use the garbage bag to pick up trash. You’d be surprised what you can find in the local forest preserves! My most memorable was a case of beer (mostly empty), with 2 cans with bite marks in them. I kept wondering if the coyotes liked the taste or the effect of the beer.
Jules says
From previous experience this summer, pack a light sweatshirt, or something to keep you from getting too cold in case you do get stuck or lost. And TP. Definitely.
Glynette says
Don’t forget a flashlight and a time keeper. Time can get away from you on a beautiful hike. Oh and don’t forget toilet paper. You just never know. LOL
Sacha (@zigged) says
This is a great list, including the ideas in the comments! I would add bandanna(s) to the mix, too.
liz says
Don’t forget the bear spray, and know how to use it!
Amelia says
Pack a head lamp! I stayed too long at the summit and half way back down it was dark out, so a head lamp that you can actually locate in your bag is great. I fumbled around in my bag for a few minutes it felt like in the dark, so now I wrap the head lamp around a beanie to find it easily.